PS 635 
.Z9 
P3568 
Copy 1 



Ilk 



-BY- 



UUAN PEARSON 



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Eldridge^Entertainment House 

FrankUn, Ohio s£^ Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Losui StTMt 



NEW HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS 



ALONG CAME BUD— 

for 4 boys and 2 girls. Bud, quite inno- 
cently causes a lot of trouble, but all ends 
well v/hen Bud comes along. Price 25c. 

CLARENCE DECIDES-- 

i$. for 4 males and 6 femates, and is a 
very clever comedy. All kinds of funny 
situations are introduced. Price 35c. 

THE CAPTAIN'S PREDICAMENT— 

a rattling g^od farce for 3 m.ales and 4 
females. Lots of fun. Price, 35 cents. 

LOST—THE WHOLE CROWD AND 
THE PARROT— 

a farce in which many amusing complica- 
tions aiise. Plays whole evening. 8 
males and 5 females. Price. 35 cents. 

POLLY LOU— 

a new Gladj^s Bridgham farce in which 
there is plenty of action and an interest- 
ing plot. 6 males, 8 females. Price 35c. 

THE VISITING SMITHS— 

a short sketch telling how the Smith's 
Corner Smiths descended on the New 
York Smiths for a visit. Price, 25 cents. 

THE CONVERSION OF PA. 
THE TRIALS OF EZRA-^ 

two new Agricultural Extension plays. 
Each, 25 cents. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio, also 944 S. Logan, Denver, Colo. 



The Christmas Chain 



By LILIAN PEARSON 



Copyright, 1921, Eldridge Entertainment House. 



-PUBLISHED BY- 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 

FRANKLIN, OHIO DENVER, COLO. 

iEC I9I92I 






;t^- 



A Christmas sketch for children. There are four- 
teen speaking parts, but many more children could be 
used by having choruses instead of single characters. 



A Lonely Someone. 

Christmas Angel 

Chrismas Star 

Christmas Bells (two or more) 

Christmas Pudding 

Holly Wreath (or any number) 

Mistletoe Bough (or any number) 

Miss Snow (or any number) 

Yule Log (or any number) 

Christmas Tree (To represent this a 
boy could carry a small tree decor- 
ated and with packages) 

Sad Sisters (two) 
Santa Claus 



The Christmas Chain should be made of crepe paper 
with alternating links of red and green. The costumes 
should all be simple, but suggestive of the characters 
they represent. From each child's wrist will hang a few 
links of the Christmas Chaii^ of red and green. 



>CI.D 59430 



^H.# [ 



The Christmas Chain 



Scene 1 — A bore looking room ivith one small win- 
doio at the hack. A small cot should be at the right han3 
side of the window, and a chair and table at the otheTi 
side, 

(Enter Someone) 

Alone in my bare little cottage I live, 
With no one to love and nothing to give; 
But, stay! I have friends whom I mustn^'t 

forget ; 
And a gift I can give — I was foolish to fret. 
(She opens paper bag and takes out two buns and a 
small bottle of milk, and places them on the table,) 

My supper Fll share with the birdies, so they 
Will have a grand feast for their own, Christ- 
mas Da3^ 
(She takes one of the buns and goes to the loindow 
to scatter crumbs for the birds.) 

How happy I am that I've something to share; 
And now my wee room isn't lonesome or bare. 
The bells will be ringing their clear, happy song 
And soon little children will pass in a throng; 
They'll sing the sweet story of Christ and His 

birth, 
And tell of the joy that He brought to the 

earth. 
The merry lights twinkle and gleam through 

the town, 
But there (she points through window) is a 

house that is dark as a frown. 
No happiness seems to have crept thruogh that 

door 
For Christmas; it's every bit dark as before. 
I wish the poor sisters could join the good cheer 

3 



The Christmas Chain 



Of others, and smile at this time of the year. 

But now, when my prayer of thanksgiving I've 
said, 

I'll wait for the bells, while I'm snuggled in bed. 
Someone's Prayer — 

For the birds and the flowers, 

For the sunshine and showers, 
I thank Thee, dear Father, I thank Thee. 

For this food I can share. 

And Thy fond, loving care, 
I thank Thee, dear Father, I thank Thee. 

(Someone removes only her shoes and then snuggles 
under the one shabby quilt on the bed. Bells are heard, 
softly chiming in the distance. Someone sleeps. The 
room grows brighter and the Christmas Angel softly en- 
ters, while children voices are hoard from without, sing- 
ing Christmas carols. In her sleep Someone lifts her 
arms 05 if in plea, and then lets them rest outside thdi 
coverlet. The Angel crosses the room as far as the win- 
dow and stands a minute looking down at the little 
sleeper. Two ends of the Christmas Chain are passed in 
through the window. The Angel takes the Chains, and 
advancing to the bed, fastens the Chains to Someone's 
arms.) 

Angel — 

Sleep, little maid — ^when you wake, what a treat 
For you, and for others! My Chain is complete! 
CURTAIN 



Scene 2 — Living room of the Sad Sisters' home, 
large but cheerless. The two Sisters, each wearing a 
large pair of spectacles, are sitting opposite ea^h other 
in rocking chairs. Bells are heard ringing.) 

First Sister — 

Hark! the Christmas bells are ringing, 
And the children, carols singing. 
Christmas time again is here, 






The Christmas Chain 



But it brings to us no cheer. 
Why are we so sad and lonely? 
All the town seems gay; we only 
Cannot smile or happy be. 
Christmas time means naught to me! 
We have Christmas wreaths of holly, 
Yule logs, puddings — all that folly. 
But, instead of being glad, 
I'm unhappy, lonely, sad! 

Second Sister — 

So am I. It makes me cross 

Just to see the silly fuss 

People go to, just to say 

What they had for Christmas Day. 

Yes, I know that Christ was born 

Years ago upon that morn. 

But I really cannot see 

Why the day should gladden me 

More than others now, you know, 

Since that happened years ago. 

First Sister — (taking off her spectacles to ditsp 
them, lets them slip to the floor and exclaims :) 
Sister, does the light grow dimmer? 
I can scarcely see its glimmer. 
Is it that my eyes are failing? 
Then, indeed, I shall be wailing. 

Second Sister — 

Yes, and mine are misting, too. 
Till my "specs'* I can't see through. 
There ! I've slipped them from my eyes. 

(The room grows 7Ytuch brighter and the Angel enr- 
ters,) 

Sister! What a great surprise! 
Strange, indeed ! What can it mean ? 
Such wondrous change I've never seen. 

(First Sister, who has been groping on the floor for 
her spectacles, straightens upj 



The Christmas Chain 



First Sister — 

Then mine I'll have to banish, too. 

(She sees the Angel) 
Good gracious me! And who are you? 

Angel — 

Oh, I'm the Christmas Angel true, 
I've come to make you happy, too. 
Your Selfishness Spectacles were bad; 
'Twas those that made you feel so sad. 
But now, I'll show my Chain complete 
That binds the world to the Christ Child's feet. 
The Chain of Christmas Spirit true 
Has never been complete for you; 
There's always been a missing link; 
Tonight 'twill bind you 'round I think. 
And now your vision's clear, so go — 
Follow the Star — the way 'twill show. 
(The Siste7^s turn to follow the Star who has en- 
tered ivhile the Angel has been speaking J 

Angel — • 

But stay! First let us summon here 
The links you've used each other year. 

First Sister — 

Why, first, we've had the wreaths of holly, 
But never have they made us jolly; 
They pricked our hands, and mussed the room. 
But banished not our wonted ^loom. 



Holly — (dancing in) 

A merry Christmas, folks, to you; 
I hope you're hale and hearty, 
For I'm all dressed in Sunday best 
And longing for a party. 
I'm '*stuck" upon myself, you see, 
For reasons good and many. 
I've berries red, from foot to head, 
But didn't cost a penny. 



The Christmas Chain 



Second Sister — 

He really is a cheery youth, 

Fm glad he came, and that's the truth. 
Mistletoe — (dancing in) 

A happy greeting, friends, to you. 

Please note my graceful bending; 

I'm the Mistletoe bough (hovjs low ) and bring 
you now 

Both fun and joy unending. 
First Sister — 

Oh, good! We'll decorate the room 

And drive away all signs of gloom. 
(While Sisters are busy hanging wreaths, etc., en- 
ter Snow,) 

Snoic — 

Good cheer, and may I help you, too? 
ril make things pretty, really; 
I'll dress the world white while it's sleeping to- 
night. 
And scatter my blessings quite freely. 
(She shakes snowflakes from her dress and scarf, 
etc.) 

Second Sister — 

The little Snow Maiden is perfectly right; 
For Christmas the world should be robed in pure 
white. 
Yule Log — (enters snapping his fingers and smiling 
brightly) 

From the depth of the woods, dear friends, to you 
I've come, with my warmest greeting; 
I'll try to be bright and to bring you tonight, 
A sparkle and glow to your meeting. 
(Holly, Mistletoe, Snow and Yule Log join hands 
and sing to the tune ''Work for the Night is Coming*' i 
Far have we come to cheer you, 
In from the great outside, 
Bringing our brightest greetings 
For the Christmastide. 



The Christmas Chain 



Waiting to hear the message, 
Gaily the bells will ring, 
Telling the dawn of Christmas, 
With their ding-dong-ding. 

Bells — (enter singing ''Bells of Christmas*' found 
in ''Ye Merry Tunes'' ; 25 cents, and supplied by the jmft- 
lishers.) 

First Sister — 

Our decorations now complete, 

We'll have to have Christmas-y things to eat. 

Pudding — (comes in puffing.) 

I've 'raisin''' to think we'll be merry tonight; 

I stole from the kitchen a minute, 

To see if the xun had already begun, 

And to tell a few things that are in it. 

The turkey is crisp 'cause the cranberries 

"sauced". 
There are jellies and fruits, nuts and candies; 
The sickly pies '*mince", like a princess or prince. 
And think they're the tip-toppest dandies. 
They all are as proud and dressed up as can be, 
Their excellence really I question; 
I'm sure we'll agree, if you entertain me, 
And forget all about indigestion. 

Angel — 

Dear friends, the time has come I think, 
To follow the Star to the missing link; 
For it is the most important one — 
Without it the Chain could never be done. 
So follow, I pray ; the way is bright 
That leads you to happiness true tonight. 

Star— 

With loving guidance still I shine 
As ever from above, 
So do not grieve; this Christmas Eve, 
I'll lead your hearts to love. 



The Christinas Chain 



Second Sister — 

We'll gladly go, but, let me see; 

WeVe still to call the Christmas Tree, 

And Santa Claus; they both belong 

To Yuletide frolic, fun and song. 
Angel — • 

You're right, the Christmas Spirit Chain 

Is incomplete without them; 

But never fear, we'll call them here, 

So worry not about them; 

But follow first the gleaming Star, 

And hasten back; it is not far. 
(Exit Star, followed by the Sisters. While they are 
gone the others form a semicircle, and fasten their 
lengths of chain together. They sing to the tune of *'SoU 
omon Levi.*') 

It isn't the shining Holly Wreath; 

It isn't the Mistletoe; 

It isn't the Yule Log's cheery warmth; 

It isn't the glist'ning Snow; 

It isn't the gleaming Christmas Star; 

It isn't the Bells that ring; 

Or even the Angel's message dear; 

Or any one single thing. 

But if you would be merry, loving, happy and gay, 

Pray do not tarry — start on your journey today. 

And follow the Christmas Spirit Chain; 

'T will lead you all cares above, 

And wrap you around, when at last you have 
found 

• 

A LONELY SOMEONE TO LOVE. 

(Enter Sisters, leading Someone. The Star follows 
and takes her place in the semicircle.) 
m First Sister — 

We followed the Star, your prediction was true. 

She led us to Love, as you said she would do. 

At last we have found the la^t link to the Chain, 



10 The Christmas Chain 

And I'm sure we shall never be lonesome again. 
With Someone to love, and to cuddle and cheer, 
I knov^ we'll be happy the whole of the year. 

Angel — 

Ah, now you can see why your last Christmastide 
Was lonely and sad tho' you many joys tried; 
You had puddings, and holly; the Star shone above^ 
But you in your Selfishness sought none to love. 
This child, tho' alone, had the true Christmas spirit; 
Such food as she had, with the birdies did share it. 
And, since you have chosen to give her this treat. 
You've found the last link and your Chain is com- 
plete. 

Someone— 

A merry Christmas to you all; 
I never was so jolly; 
A greeting, Mr. Mistletoe; 
To you, too, pretty Holly; 
And, oh, you plummy pudding, dear. 
And you, sweet Maid of Snow, 
I love you all. Good cheer, gay Bells, 
Dear Log, I love your glow. 
A perfect Christmas this, indeed; 
What fun there's going to be. 
(Enter Santa Claus and Christmas Tree.) 
Oh, lookee, look! Here's Santa Claus, 
And such a lovely Tree. 

Tree— 

A happy greeting, little friends, 

I've come to join the fun. 

And brought a few toys for the girls and the boys,. 

I'm glad you have just begun. 

Santa — 

A merry Christmas, one and all, 

Come, let's begin the party; 

My reindeer won't wait, if I stay very late. 

So, come, while we may, let's be hearty. 



The Christmas Chain 11 

(The others now form in a complete circle about the 
two Sisters, and join all parts of the Chain so that the 
Sisters are surrounded with it,) 

Second Sister — (lifting a loop of the Chain in her 
hand) 

But one thing more, do tell me, pray. 
Why is the Chain made just xhis way? 

Angel — 

The bands of red, for loving thoughts. 
The green, fond wishes true; 
Long may the Christmas Chain entwine 
The heart of each of you. 

Sisters — 

Merry Christmas, indeed, with our friends all here, 

(To audience) 

We wish you the same — and a Happy New Year. 



CURTAIN 



THE BIG SUCCESS OF LAST SEASON 

"Somewhere in France" 

By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 

yn STIRRING patriotic drama of the World 
\^ War in 3 acts. 4 male, 3 female char- 
acters. All strong parts. One interior scene. 

This play has been rewritten and elaborated 
to play a full evening. Last season it achieved 
an instantanteous hit with amateur players, 
being projduced with great success. 

The action takes place in the home of Pierre 
Graudet, a few miles from the trenches and 
graphically shows why America went into the 
war. Two sons have been killed in battle and 
Jean, the youngest son, is blinded by a shell. 
Mary D^le, an American Red Cross nurse, is 
attached to a base hospital near the home of 
the Graudets and her personal care of Jean 
has ripened into love for the brave young 
Frenchman who has won his Medal of Honor. 
The capture of a German aviator, who is com- 
pelled to land near the home, furnishes a 
thrilling and dramatic climax at the end of 
the second act. The dialog is intensely patriotic 
and one critic has termed the play "a classic. '' 
A splendid play for a Red Cross benefit, or to 
raise money for any war activity. Our most 
popular play last season. 



Ill 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



THE ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

HMNKUN, OHIO alai 'X£« KNVER, COLO. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinii. 

015 825 853 5 • 



^uLi ! l'aW. \^ 




Scen« from the Comic Opera, "'The Captain off Plymouth" 



THE CAPTAIN OF PLYMOUTH 

This is a splendid number for any time, and especially good 
for High School, Choral Societies, etc. Price complete $1 .25. 
Right of presentation given with purchase of 15 copies. Rental 
of orchestration $7.00. 



')!: 



THE HERMIT OF HAWAD 

15 just the thing for your school society or High School chorus. 
It is written by the popular composer, Arthur Penn, and is 
especially tuneful and clever. Price $1.25. Right of presen- 
tation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental of orches- 
tration $7.00. 



OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN 



Midsummer Eve 

In Little Folks Town 

Under The Sugar Plua Tree 

Arcticania 



60 cents 

60 cents 

60 cents 

$1,00 



SEND 15 CENTS POSTAGE FOR APPROVAL COPIES. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 

FRANKUN, OHIO DENVER, COLORADO 



944 South Logan Stroot. 



i 



